CBD stands for cannabidiol which happens to be one of the main active ingredients in cannabis. CBD is derived from hemp plants whereas traditional flower you buy in your Euflora dispensary comes from a cannabis plant.

One of the common misconceptions with CBD is that it gets you high. CBD is completely nonpsychoactive; psychoactive means a substance that affects the mind. The World Health Organization, states “in humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…. To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”1 Another thing that is unlike your typical flower is that it is legal in all 50 states. While cannabis is still in the process of being nationally legalized, CBD is legal in all 50 states; with individual laws per state so be sure to check them!

Currently, there are a ton of misconceptions and misinformation about CBD; for good reason. The CBD market at the moment is fairly unregulated, but since being federally legalized the FDA has made an effort to regulate it. Now, this takes time so when you choose to buy CBD make sure you’re getting it from a reputable source or dispensary to assure you’re getting pure CBD oil rather than some random extract.

So what does CBD do for the body? To give one example the FDA just approved a medicine called, “Epidiolex” which is an “oral solution for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and Dravet syndrome, in patients two years of age and older.” Other than that CBD may be used for insomnia, loss of appetite, pain management, etc but this has yet to be backed by any major organization with the credibility of any human studies.

In conclusion, there is still a lot of work and research to be done for CBD but, the good news is that scientists have already found so many benefits for those with seizures, which will hopefully soon open doors for further research. Also, always be sure to do your research and never hesitate to ask your budtender about any products in our stores that contain CBD!

The past few years have shown a remarkable increase in tolerance to medical marijuana. It’s something that’s been made legal in more and more states, and we’ve seen plenty of new things added to the MMJ conditions lists. In April 2019, there was some big news for everyone in Colorado. Governor Jared Pois signed a bill that officially meant medical marijuana was approved for autism. In essence, patients suffering from this disorder can now use medical marijuana to treat it.

This move came on World Autism Awareness Day, which was a very fitting way of marking the occasion. If you, or someone you know and care about, suffers from autism, then you know all too well how hard it is to treat. Traditional medication doesn’t do a whole load of good, which means many people are left to suffer in silence. Thankfully, things are going to change for anyone with autism in Colorado thanks to this new bill.

How can autism patients use medical marijuana?

Naturally, the approval of medical marijuana for autism means that people can head to a licensed dispensary and get their hands on the good stuff. Of course, smoking medical marijuana is not recommended for children suffering from this condition. But, for adults, it’s seen as a good treatment option – and we’ll talk more about how it helps later on.

Moreover, the move to approve medical marijuana means that a range of cannabis products can now be accessed with ease as well. Parents of children with autism have long been campaigning for this bill as they believe cannabis oils and other products are proven to treat lots of symptoms and help stimulate their child’s brain patterns. It gives them access to an alternative treatment idea that doesn’t include harmful chemicals or drugs that can cause other problems for autism patients.

What are the main benefits of this bill?

Previously, gaining access to medical marijuana products was harder for people wanting to use them to treat autism. It wasn’t impossible, but it was often very costly. The underlying problem is that autism can’t ever be cured. It’s not a condition like chronic pain that could go away after supplementing medical marijuana and trying other treatments as well. So, it’s something that requires constant treatment. As such, this makes it incredibly expensive for anyone that wants to enjoy the benefits of medical marijuana.

However, the new bill that’s approved medical marijuana for autism is changing that. Now, people can actually go to their doctor and get a Medical Cannabis Card. Autism is now an approved condition in Colorado, so you can now get this card – which you were unable to have access to before.

How does this benefit you? Well, it benefits children with autism first and foremost. Any autism patients below this age wouldn’t have access to this treatment until now. With a Medical Cannabis Card, it allows dispensaries to provide medical marijuana to people under the age of 21. As such, it opens the door to treatment for people who previously couldn’t get it.

Not only that, but it makes medical marijuana and cannabis products more affordable as well. Here in Denver, we get the benefit of tax breaks offered by the state. This means that anyone with a Medical Cannabis Card won’t have to pay the 10% retail marijuana tax or the 15% excise tax. That’s a total of 25% of taxes that you no longer need to pay, which adds up to lots of savings over time. In essence, healthcare becomes more affordable for people suffering from autism in this state.

Lastly, by having one of these cards, it also allows patients to access higher potency limits as well. You can now get stronger stuff that might elicit a better response. Before medical marijuana was approved for autism, there were restrictions in place. But, now that it’s on the MMJ list in Colorado, you can get your medical card and enjoy stronger strains!

How does medical marijuana help people with autism?

Autism is one of the most complex health conditions in that patients can endure different experiences. Various types of autism fit into the autistic spectrum, which is why it’s hard to treat the condition. Different people end up with different symptoms and struggle with various things. Plus, as we mentioned earlier, it’s not a condition you can cure – but it can be treated.

Treating autism will help patients cope with some of their worst symptoms. As a result, it lets them live a better life without certain things holding them back all the time. One of the most common signs of autism is that you struggle to really hold yourself in social situations. But, with the right treatment from an early age, people struggling with autism can find ways to adapt and get more comfortable around other people.

So, where does marijuana come into all of this?

Well, it’s proven that marijuana can be used to treat a variety of health conditions – many of which are side effects of suffering from autism. For example, a lot of people on the autistic spectrum suffer from severe anxiety. This stems from a lack of social skills, which ultimately makes them feel very anxious and worried about social situations. The effects of anxiety can linger beyond these interactions, meaning someone with autism suffers from it regularly. But, because of the way cannabis interacts with receptors in your brain, this helps calm the symptoms of anxiety. In fact, many parents have proclaimed that their autistic children benefitted from medical marijuana as it really helped tackle their anxiety issues.

Not only that, but it’s believed medical marijuana and cannabis products can help calm down children with autism as well. There’s a famous case of a boy named Dylan whose parents gave him cannabis oil and saw that his condition improved dramatically. He was a lot calmer, less angry, and easier to talk to and get along with.

Furthermore, a lot of parents that have autistic children say that marijuana has helped control their behavior. It’s led to a reduction in behavior that causes injuries to the child. This largely comes from its ability to regulate their mood and prevent them from doing rash things that will ultimately cause them harm.

Lastly, there are strong links between cannabis and sleep regulation. Specifically, it’s shown to help improve the quality of your sleep. The properties of cannabis allow people to relax and drift off into a pleasant and restful sleep. For people with autism, sleep issues are relatively common. A lot of people believe this comes from an overactive mind that keeps them up at night by overthinking about different things. In fact, if we go back to the point about anxiety, then this can also cause sleepless nights. But, using marijuana to regulate sleep can lead to improved moods as well.

Ultimately, there have been calls for medical marijuana to get approval for autism for many years. Parents were especially adamant that it helps, and they wanted to make it legal and more affordable for their children. By treating this condition from a young age, it allows a child to grow up with more control over it. In essence, they aren’t as adversely affected by it as they would be without any treatment. Perhaps the main reason marijuana is seen to help autism is that it’s very much a condition that affects the brain. People with autism think differently and process things differently to others. This is why a lot of patients exhibit almost genius-level intellect or find it easy to understand complicated things beyond their years. Due to the very nature of cannabis and the way it interacts with brain receptors, it can target the mind and lead to positive results.

How do you get medical marijuana for autism?

After hearing the news and seeing that this bill was passed, you’re probably keen to take advantage of it and finally get medical marijuana to treat autism. But, how can you do this? Yes, you have to book an appointment with your doctor, and yes, you will have to go through the lengthy meeting. But, the good news is that autism is now on the county’s MMJ conditions list, so you – or your child – should be approved. With this card, you will enjoy the tax benefits offered by the state, making marijuana cheaper.

Make no mistake about it, this new bill is huge news in the cannabis world. So, if you live in Denver and need treatment for autism, you can enjoy the benefits of medical marijuana.

Experts have done a lot of study on medical marijuana and its uses. With these revelations, cannabis concentrates are gaining popularity because not only are they easy to carry but also convenient to use.

As marijuana has become legal in a lot of states, cannabis concentrates have gained popularity as well. Medical marijuana patients are turning to concentrates for their pain-relief. It is also an economical and fast-acting solution. Cannabis concentrates are more condensed than loose leaf cannabis, which is why medical marijuana patients prefer to use them with a vaporizer. Those patients, who need powerful medicine with pain relief, are recommended to use concentrates as they are much more efficient.

Before we tell you more about the many cannabis concentrates, you need to know more about concentrates.

What Are Concentrates?

Cannabis concentrates are extracts that are derived from cannabis. They contain concentrated amounts of the psychoactive compound THC and other cannabinoids and terpenes.

The concentrate products are extracted from the plant with the help of solvents like CO2 or ethanol. After the completion of the extraction, we are left with a condensed product comprising a powerful dose of medicine.

In short, Cannabis concentrates are the products that have the cannabinoids and terpenes, minus the unnecessary plant material. Small amounts of concentrates have more cannabinoids and terpenes as compared to dried flowers. Most of the flowers have 15-20% of THC, while concentrates contain 80-90% of THC.

Concentrates contain what is within the plant. In case a plant has any pesticides, they will also become concentrated. This is why you should always buy concentrates from a reliable source, a brand that makes concentrates from plants that are pesticide free. Concentrates made from organically grown cannabis are the best, like LotusLand Cannabis Club for reliable cannabis products.

Concentrates exist in a lot of cannabis products including edibles, oils, and tinctures. Cannabis concentrates can be highly potent as they contain strong doses of cannabinoids. You can also consume them in their purest form with dab rigs and vaporizers.

What Are The Different Types Of Concentrates?

There are different types of concentrates available in the market. We have written down some common cannabis concentrates below.

Shatter

Shatter concentrate is probably the most popular form of cannabis extracts. Its consistency is like a colored piece of glass (hence the name shatter), which makes it easy to handle. Shatter is available in parchment paper because of its sticky form. This extraction is not safe for any DIY projects. You need to eliminate the solvent before you can safely consume the concentrate.

Shatter is in a solid form, and that is why it is hard to work with. You can use the final product with the help of dab rigs, vapes, and bongs.

Crumble

The texture of a crumble concentrate fits its name. You can easily handle it with your hands as it crumbles. It is advised that you keep the crumble in a sealed container at a cool place. However, storing crumble using parchment paper is not recommended. A silicone or a glass jar would be better suited for the purpose.

Rosin

Rosin doesn’t use any solvents, which makes it a different kind of concentrate. It is also the most natural extract that you will get your hands on. Rosin is created by squeezing the dry cannabis buds with the help of heat and pressure. This process is done with an industrial press but some people make it at home with the help of a hair straightener. A popular method of using rosin is by applying it to the outside of a joint.

Wax

We all know what wax is. However, we are talking about the wax that is a sticky form of cannabis concentrate. Wax is extremely sticky and is sold in small containers or glass jars. Because of its sticky nature, wax can be messier to handle if you don’t have any dabbing tools.

Cannabis Oil

Cannabis oil is famous for a lot of benefits. One of them is its effectiveness in body massage as it relieves any muscle pains. Cannabis oil is available in vaporizer pens. The cannabis oil is often made by CO2 or Butane, which makes its texture runny.

Budder

Budder concentrate is very much like wax but has opaque taffy-like texture. Most of the people opt for budder because of its tasty smoke. It is not as solid as shatter and it is more like wax, which makes it much easier to use. You can use budder by putting it in a bong or a pipe. You can also add it to a joint or blunt, like most of the other concentrates.

Tinctures

Tinctures use decarboxylated cannabis and are stored in a jar with alcohol. This mixture is stored for many weeks before it is strained and consumed. Tinctures are in a liquid form, in the color green, and have all the good stuff that has been extracted from the plant. Tinctures look like oil but are not the same. Tincture may be a concentrated form of CBD. However, the CBD is added in a small amount of distilled alcohol.

Live Resin

Live Resin is extracted from live plants and contains a higher percentage of terpene profiles as compared to other concentrates. While other cannabis concentrates use dry plants, live resin uses the aroma of living plants and converts it into a flavorful extract. The production process of live resin demands more work, which is why it is also a little bit more expensive.

The extraction method of live resin is complicated and as mentioned earlier, requires laboratory equipment. It is not something you can do at home and it is better to get live resin from a dispensary.

Hashish

Hashish is the most well-known cannabis concentrate. Hashish, or hash, is a cannabis concentrate that is created by separating trichomes from the plant material. After that, the resin is formed into a coherent mass. Some types of Hashish are Bubble Hash, Lebanese Hash, Super Nepalese Hash and Moroccan Slate Hash.

You can either smoke hashish or consume it in the form of an edible. If you don’t want to smoke it, then the latter option would suit you. A very common way of taking it is in brownies, which are called hash brownies. If you want to smoke it, you can roll it into a joint with some tobacco. You can also smoke it with a pipe or a hookah.

Kief

Kief is also sometimes called as pollen or dry sift. It is a powdery substance that is made from the resin glands of the cannabis bud. Kief consists of pure trichomes, hence, it is considered super potent. Kief always contains some plant particles, so it is not always 100% pure. Hash is also made from kief. You can sprinkle the kief in a joint or mix it with weed. Apart from that, you can also consume it with a hookah and pipe.

We hope this article provided you with everything you needed to know about concentrates! They are safe if used under the administration of experts, like you can find at our newest store in Aspen and they can be used to deal with many health problems like migraines, nausea, body aches, arthritis and more. Stay safe!

While New Year’s Eve is far behind us, it’s still not too late to spark up predictions about and resolutions for our next orbit around the Sun. As my lovely wife will attest, I’m not keen on making New Year’s resolutions. But, given the fast-growing CBD industry, I think it’s worth it to make some predictions for 2019.

Before delving further into the topic, let’s first understand what CBD is and why the buzz surrounding it just keeps getting louder:

What is Cannabidiol (CBD)?

Cannabidiol is one of over 115 known naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. It’s different from THC (the mind-altering compound in marijuana) since it has a unique chemical structure.

Most importantly, it’s complicated to obtain CBD ONLY from the hemp plant, so most CBD extracts contain a mixture of compounds, all derived from the cannabis plant.

Why is CBD all the Buzz Nowadays?

The rise in CBD popularity didn’t happen overnight. It’s the outcome of results obtained after consumption of CBD products by the people. Those who were suffering from some serious illnesses got cured, and it made the compound accepted and liked by the people.

These benefits might get credit for the massive growth of this sector. Then again, the use of marijuana, being an illegal activity has kept it in neutral ground. Consequently, the need for medications, which comprises CBD in its pure form with no THC, is a must.

Businesses are researching innovative ways to isolate and create CBD infused products in diverse forms at affordable rates. It’ll help in getting more attraction of the CBD users towards them and thus more gains.

The legalization of marijuana has already gathered momentum in the recent past owing to the efforts of some individuals. However, irrespective of whether it gets legalized or not, the industry isn’t going to experience the downfall anytime soon.

Cannabis Industry Predictions for 2019

Further Mainstream Awareness

My first prediction is that the increasing interest will continue through 2019 and beyond, with CBD infused beverages and edibles coming into play. We’re also likely to see an increase in seniors who take CBD, thanks to more research being devoted to CBD. Additionally, there will be deals with “outsider” companies and a lot of money will likely be invested in increased research into CBD and cannabis tech.

CBD Standards Surface

My second prediction is that consumers will start to insist on knowing what they are paying for and what they’re getting. Rules and Regulation must happen, maybe through a self-governing body or national regulatory bodies in different countries.

True Brands Emerge

My third prediction is that true brands will emerge. True brands start with product consistency, and it has been tough for the current CBD brands to guarantee consistency across locked borders.

In 2019, brands will be capable of tightly controlling, regulating, and reporting on their repeatable processes, allowing product consistency in geographically dispersed regions. Consistency begets credibility, which contributes to the growth of a product to a brand.

More, Big Retailers

My fourth prediction is that 2019 will see giant retailers such as Amazon join the CBD movement. Back in 2017, you could only get CBD products from small independent retailers like head shops, specialty stores, or natural food stores. Throughout the UK, people have been requesting these products, and the big retailers have been wise to listen.

More Employment Opportunities

My fourth prediction is that huge developments in the CBD sector will lead to far more jobs. The CBD market will really grow in the following couple of years. Estimates indicate that sales are expected to increase more than 27 percent annually by 2022; this translates to more than $22 billion in sales.

Ultimately, that substantial growth in sales also indicates far more labor, so job development will increase by about 21 percent by 2022, which is huge compared to almost any other existing market. The CBD market employs averagely 135,000 workers. By 2022, that number will double.

Increased Cultivation

To sum up, my sixth prediction is that as sales increase, the demand for CBD products will also increase – large enough to stretch the industry’s present supply chain. Hemp growers will be in high demand, as well as product formulators, lab workers, and extraction pros.

According to according to ma CBD oil more hemp acreage will be cultivated in 2019 than ever before. Countries that started pilot programs will experience great success and will decided to expand.

Conclusion

No one can genuinely predict exactly where the CBD market is headed, but it’s definitely going into brighter and larger locations. We’re as excited as everybody else to see exactly where the road will take us, and we’re hoping for new discoveries along the way.

As cannabis becomes legal and more socially acceptable worldwide, a growing number of people are using it for both recreational and medicinal reasons. The fastest growing demographic to embrace marijuana, surprisingly, is elderly Baby Boomers.

Baby Boomers: A Growing Market for Cannabis

The reasons for seniors to use marijuana are many. They are the first generation of elderly Americans to have grown up with marijuana as a common recreational drug. With cannabis now legalized or at least decriminalized in many areas, they can finally indulge without fear of repercussions.

In addition, the golden years bring new freedom from drug tests and other employment-related barriers to cannabis use. Our newest batch of senior citizens has plenty of time and money to enjoy marijuana and few good reasons to just say no.

Last, the health benefits of medical marijuana are particularly attractive to this age group. Many of them are beginning to deal with age-related complaints such as joint pain, glaucoma, and other medical problems that cannabis is known to alleviate. In an age where other pain medications are increasingly difficult to get, marijuana may be the best non-prescription alternative.

Decreased Stigma for All Ages

The elderly Americans using cannabis in growing numbers are not new to the drug. The first waves of hippies are now in their seventies or older. Many of them have enjoyed marijuana in the distant past.

However, there was a stigma regarding cannabis use until very recently. People who smoked it were viewed as stoners. Many workplaces tested for THC routinely. Smoking pot could land you in criminal courts, family courts, and a variety of difficult situations.

As a result, many Boomers gave up marijuana when they settled into families and careers. However, this generation is not convinced by the scare tactics that kept previous cohorts from using cannabis en masse. In many cases, senior cannabis use is more of a homecoming than an experiment.

In a society increasingly accepting of recreational marijuana use, these reasons not to enjoy cannabis have dissipated like, well, smoke. There are no longer career consequences or undercover cops to fret about. Nothing stands between our seniors and the high they once craved.

In addition, the new availability of upscale smoking supplies appeals especially to baby boomers. The range of aesthetically appealing vape pens and specialty cannabis products gives cannabis use the feeling of a hobby meant for connoisseurs, similar to collecting fine wine or Cuban cigars.

A Geriatric Healthcare Revolution

The purported health benefits of cannabis are another oft-cited reason for the increase in use among seniors. The generation of flower children and Woodstock is far less likely to place their faith in pharmaceuticals than a natural herb.

A study in 2016 found that seniors in states that decriminalized medical marijuana are receiving fewer prescriptionsfor drugs that treat chronic pain, depression, and anxiety, and other chronic complaints that cannabis is believed to treat. Cannabis may soon have a secondary benefit of decreasing the growing cost of Medicare Part D.

Although marijuana has not been conclusively proven to help many of the ailments it is purported to treat, it is increasingly preferred over prescription drugs. This is particularly true of opioid pain medication. The American Medical Association reported last year that opioid prescriptions drop 14% in the year after a state legalizes medical marijuana. Even people who remain uncomfortable with marijuana use tend to prefer it over the negative societal and health effects of opioids.

There was a time when grandmothers all over the nation took a handful of pills every day to treat a laundry list of conditions. Today’s grandma may instead take an edible or smoke a joint.

Considering that even the best pharmaceuticals have side effects, it is hard to see this change as a negative one. The opioid crisis remains one of our nation’s top public health problems. Most of the health concerns associated with marijuana disproportionately affect young people and growing brains.

A Growing Market

Senior citizens are becoming an unlikely yet red hot market for businesses that offer cannabis products. Several edible companies such as Colorado-based Wana Brands are creating products specifically for seniors, such as extended-release CBC capsules.

The world of legalized marijuana can be overwhelming to elderly people, many of whom last bought marijuana in a park in the seventies. Today’s dispensaries can have hundreds of products, from lotions to sprays to candies to dog treats. Many products boast a specific CBC to THC ratio, a new consideration when using cannabis as a medication.

Dispensaries are working hard to appeal to an older and more sophisticated client base. Dispensaries in California are offering shuttle buses and special senior citizen discounts to capture this market. Many dispensaries are appealing to this demographic by adopting a more sleek and professional appearance. The dispensaries favored by older Americans often feel more like an Apple Store than a head shop, with glass shelves and employees in business casual wear.

The Bottom Line on High Seniors

Social scientists and pharmaceutical companies ignore this trend at their peril. We do not yet know the long term consequences of a generation of stoned grandparents. We also do not know how marijuana use will affect pharmaceutical use and other medical costs over the long term.

In the meantime, corporate American appears to be planning for a generation of seniors who use cannabis the way previous generations used pills. Pharmaceutical companies are beginning to dabble in the marijuana game. Geriatricians and family doctors have been calling for increased research on cannabis use in the aged so they can give evidence-based recommendations to a growing number of patients who are interested.

There is no indication that this is a mere trend. Almost ten percent of Americans aged 50-64 years old use marijuana. For generations to come, marijuana may become more associated with grandparents than with teen stoners. This is a dramatic societal shift that could have huge effects on the way our nation views recreational drug use and the golden decades after retirement.

Cannabis is often in the news. There is much written about it being illegal, legal, or medically legal. There are articles on how it grows and how to get it to grow better. There are articles on how it’s a drug and how it’s a medicine. However, the piece that is rarely reported on is the components of cannabis, including THC, and how they make the body work.

The Use of Chemical Compounds by Plants

If a plant creates a compound that does not directly contribute to its ability to grow and reproduce, then there is usually an indirect reason for its production. The two main reasons that a plant will use an indirect chemical is to deter predators or to encourage pollinators and/or seed spreaders. Predators can be deterred by something that tastes bad, or by something toxic to them. Pollinators are drawn to showy flowers, and seeds that are surrounded by yummy fruit can be pooped out and spread the location of the plant. The book The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan suggests that the chemical compound of certain plants was used to entice people to spread them as well. Though the compounds in cannabis were originally used, most likely, to discourage insect predators, their effects on people had enough of an effect to spread this plant worldwide.

Why Chemicals Have an Effect on the Body

A chemical can only work in locations where there are receptors for the chemical. Receptors are locations on the body where, if the right thing is plugged in, something will happen. Depending on which of the compounds are plugged in, it works like a set of instructions to the body to release certain hormones, bring in blood cells, or allow for different brain pathways to change the processing of current information (this can result in a high, pain relief, memory loss or something else, depending on the compound). They are similar to the charge ports on today’s electronic devices. To get them to work, you need to have the right shape of port on your cord. In this case, the cord is THC or one of the other cannabis chemical compounds. Looking at the medical reason for it is like examining this natural wiring. Cannabis has two kinds of chemical compounds, called terpenes and cannabinoids. Terpenes are responsible for the different smells of the cannabis strains, while cannabinoids are responsible for the medical effects, as well as the high. Here is a look at the chemicals that are contained in cannabis, their effect on the body, and why they work that way:

THC

The most well-known chemical compound in cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. There are two varieties, known as 9-THC and 8-THC. This compound is known for its high, and because of this, cannabis has a very unique history in the plant world. While most plants which are used by people will be bred for the size, color, or taste of an item, cannabis was instead bred for the concentration of this chemical in the plant. Hemp, A different strain, subspecies or species, depending on who you talk to, was bred instead for the fibrous consistency and oil content of the plant. This means that the current day cannabis strains may be very different than those which were originally discovered in locations like Ancient Egypt. This is most concentrated in the plant’s flower buds, though it can be found, along with other compounds, in every part of the plant.

How THC works in the body

THC has two different receptor site location types. The first is located in the brain, where type CB1 receptors live, and the second is on some of the immune organs, like the spleen and lymph nodes. These are called type CB2 receptors. In type CB1, the high is found. In type CB2, there is the ability to suppress immune system function.

What Does the Body use CB1 and CB2 Receptors For?
It is important to note that the body does not have receptors, usually, to take in outside chemicals. Instead, these are areas that are activated by the body’s natural hormones in times of need. The change in perception created by type CB1 receptors have been shown by the body to be a coping mechanism for times of undue stress. The body can activate these during times of crisis or extreme physical exertion, like childbirth, in order to keep the full memory of the event from creating PTSD responses. The nausea center of the brain can also be tempered by THC, allowing an easier reaction from chemotherapy. CB2 receptors are immune suppression locations. When the body is in the middle of an autoimmune attack, where it is killing itself to fight an unseen enemy such as an allergy, these receptors can slow down the response and keep it from doing too much damage to the body. Medically, this receptor can theoretically be used to protect the body from foreign objects like surgical pins and even transplanted organs.

Other compounds in Cannabis:

The pharmacological uses for many of the other cannabinols have been of increasing interest as the allowance of cannabis for medical purposes has become more mainstream. Dozens of these compounds exist with a multitude of properties. Here is a small sampling of them and their medicinal applications:

Cannabichromene: This is the second most abundant cannabinol compound in the body. It affects the CB1 receptors by stimulating neurogenesis, or brain growth and fights depression. Its use of the same receptors along the spine can be a pain reliever. By way of the CB2, swelling or edema can be reduced. For those with digestive fungal and bacterial overgrowth, it also has an antifungal and antibacterial component. This can be found in all plant parts, and usually must be chemically extracted to use as an isolated compound.

Cannabidiol (CBD): This antioxidant stimulates the seizure center of the brain to stop convulsive attacks. It also seems to have anti-tumor properties. This is a nonpsychotic compound (no high) found in many parts of both cannabis and hemp, and often utilized through the oil.

The many effects of the cannabis compounds on the body are just beginning to be discovered. The vast knowledge of cultivation techniques to increase THC levels, taste varieties and other effects can also be used to design medical-centric cannabis strains designed for more effective treatment of certain conditions. Already this is being done to creates strains of cannabis that don’t give the high but do contain the other medically significant compounds. This particular science is in its infancy, though the knowledge of pharmacology and specific medical effects of different compounds will surely make this one of the fastest growing sectors of the cannabis industry.

Cannabis has been used as medicine for thousands of years, but with the recent resurgence of medical marijuana, many patients have questions. Due to the murky legal territory of cannabis around the globe, some patients may wonder how medical marijuana use may affect their employment, or if it will show up on a drug test. Despite the unrivaled relief that medical marijuana provides for a variety of conditions, these are still important considerations.

Medical Cannabis is Still Cannabis

The reality is, regardless of why a person uses marijuana, it will still show up on a drug test. The most common type of drug test used today is called urinalysis. This process can detect the metabolites and byproducts of THC, which will be present in the body for a time after using medical marijuana. The length of time that THC use can be detected after stopping will vary for each person based on the frequency of use, duration of use, and individual biology.

When Might an Employer Drug Test?

Every employer has their own policies on drug testing, but there are a few guidelines that most companies use. Many companies will first do a pre-employment drug screen to check for drug use before hiring a new employee. Most companies will drug test an employee after hire if there is an accident which leads to physical harm, or if there are signs of intoxication on the job. Rarely, some employers may simply have a policy to randomly drug test their employees. Employees at these companies may be tested one or more times per year, or may never receive a drug test.

Looking Forward

Could medical marijuana be excluded from employment drug tests in the future? There is lots of precedent for this considering other prescription drugs. Many prescription drugs will show up on a drug test because they have a potential for abuse. If someone with a valid prescription is required to be screened, a Medical Review Officer may contact them after the test to verify that they do in fact have a prescription for the flagged substance.

Right now, it seems unlikely that these same privileges will be given to medical marijuana users. That said, it is up to the individual business (as well as their insurance policies) to decide. As more governments begin to allow medical marijuana use, businesses and insurance companies will likely start to treat medical cannabis as a medicine rather than an illicit substance.

High blood pressure is often referred to as a silent killer within the medical industry. According toIntermountain Vein Center, venous reflux can be caused by blockage of veins and increased blood flow due to stress. It may not seem to be as serious as conditions such as cancer or seizures, but it can still cause serious long-term health issues. Severe cases of high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, a heart attack or a stroke, all of which can be fatal.

Some studies have shown that certain strains of cannabis may be effective in lowering blood pressure and improving vein health, although this is still a controversial topic. The best-known strains that are said to be good for lowering blood pressure are Indica-dominant hybrids such as White Haze and Early Queen, but since these strains aren’t often available at medical marijuana dispensaries, here are some other strains that could be useful in improving vein health.

Blue Dream

Blue Dream is an incredibly popular cannabis strain that is available at many dispensaries. Named for its blueberry-like aroma, Blue Dream provides patients with a feeling of relaxation and balance that has proven effective in treating depression, chronic fatigue, and ADHD. It stands to reason that its relaxing effect can also reduce anxiety and lower one’s blood pressure. Blue dream is available at our16th Street Mall,3D Cannabis Center, andBuckley dispensaries.

Green Crack

Green Crack is a powerful strain of cannabis with a high THC content that is often used to treat arthritis and other chronic pain conditions. The high THC levels are often thought to have a positive effect on a person’s blood pressure and vein health. We carryGreen Crack at the 16th Street Mall.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights is known for providing a relaxing and uplifting feeling that makes it a popular strain for those living with anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and nausea. Some users have reported that the relaxing high that comes from using Northern Lights helps their muscles relax, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.

It should be noted that there is still a lot of research that needs to be done on the effects of cannabis on blood pressure. While these strains do seem to help patients who have problems with hypertension, other studies have shown that smoking marijuana may actually raise some people’s blood pressure – at least temporarily. It is possible that vaping or using edibles are much more effective ways of lowering blood pressure, so you should speak with your doctor to find out what cannabis strain or method of delivery is right for you. As always, use caution whenever you attempt a new treatment for any medical condition you may have, and always check thestrain data on our website before you buy!

Despite the misconceptions people have towards marijuana, the medicinal effects of cannabis are becoming more and more obvious. Many patients are turning to cannabis in a hope to get a relief they crave in a more natural way, to have an alternative to opioids that they gradually become addicted to.

Options abound when it comes to ways of getting medical cannabis into your system. There’s always the traditional method – smoking it either in a joint or a bowl or a bong. There are also other ways like edibles, tinctures, and sublinguals, each with their advantages and disadvantages Medical cannabis patients are more likely to vaporize and use edibles than recreational users, according to a RAND Drug Policy Research Center Study that was published in the Addiction journal. According to the study, which surveyed 1,994 people in four western states in 2013, only 3% of recreational users vaporized compared to 18% of medical users. This difference may be due to medical users being exposed to new delivery methods through the dispensaries they frequent.

However, vaporization has quickly become the preferred method of consuming medical marijuana. The question is, why are patients, specifically cancer patients, turning to vaporization as their preferred delivery method?

There are many answers to that question. For starters, cannavaping is a more efficient means of delivering the medicinal part of cannabis. It’s also much easier to customize a dose and it’s easy to take a small hit from a vape pen as needed. And because medical cannabis products can be carried in the device itself, patients can take a dose when needed. Also, it doesn’t feel as ‘taboo’ as other methods like smoking a joint or a bong. Finally, for a cancer patient combating nausea, it might be the only way they can ingest the medicine.

Eliminates Harmful Toxins

Vaporizing cannabis is reportedly healthier than smoking it. There have been no long-term studies on vape pens since it is a new phenomenon, making it impossible to say what effects it may have on the lungs. That said, many experts agree that vaporizing is at the very least, better than smoking. In addition, a few smaller studies have shown that vaporizing can lead to fewer lung issues when compared with smoking.

One study found that burning cannabis creates 100 different toxins. Many of these toxins have been linked to cancer. A 2007 study that was published concluded that patients who vaporize receive the same benefits as those who smoke, yet without these harmful toxins. This can be especially beneficial to those suffering from cancer, whose immune systems are already compromised and shouldn’t be further burdened with processing toxic chemicals.

In another study, which only included smokers suffering from lung ailments, using a vaporizer for just one month led to “significant improvements” in the lung health of 20 cannabis smokers. Another study reports that vaporization may be a gentler method of consuming cannabis, something that may be a draw for many cancer patients.

What’s important, cannavaping can give you a temperature control, an option that allows to get the most cannabinoids without burning it. There are specific temperature settings for vaping the dry herb and vaping the concentrates, meaning CBD oils. The dry cannabis herb starts to combust around 200C degrees, depending on the plant’s humidity level, the maximum temperature the cannabis plant can endure without burning is 230C. As for the CBD, the optimal temperature range for releasing the cannabinoid is 16-180C. When going higher, up to 185C, you’ll be releasing the CBN, which is associated with having sedative effects.

Most vaporizers come with temperature control settings, those are called vape mods and are for more experienced vapers, most of the vape pens don’t allow temperature control but they are already set for the right temperature. You just have to hit the start button and enjoy the relief from cannabis.

Just know which cannabinoid has your doctor prescribed and make sure your vape device is compatible with dry herbs and/or concentrates .

Quicker Relief

When compared to edibles, which take longer to work their way through the digestive system, vaporization provides faster relief from symptoms. This can be an important factor for those choosing to cannavape to relieve both pain and nausea. In addition to providing faster relief, cannavaping may provide patients with better control over dosing. This is because they can simply stop inhaling once the desired relief has been achieved. For this reason, some doctors are advocating for the use of vaporizers to their medical marijuana patients.

Fewer Side Effects

In a large study that involved medical marijuana users, vaporizers ranked highest in side-effect satisfaction. Patients reported that they felt more functional after vaporizing cannabis versus smoking it. In cancer patients already experiencing the side-effects of chemotherapy and other medications, fewer side-effects is definitely a plus. Patients also reported feeling more clear-headed due to the lack of smoke. They reported that smaller doses of cannabis were required versus other methods including edibles, drinkables such as tea, and joints.

More Discreet

Many medical marijuana users, as well as those recreational users who have switched to cannavaping, do so because it is more discreet. Smoking cannabis produces that tell-tale odor that screams “someone’s smoking pot.” With vaporizers, this odor is significantly, though not completely, reduced. Another reason is that a joint or a bowl is fairly obvious and not easily hidden.

Some medical marijuana users report that cannavaping feels less taboo than other methods, and this is especially helpful in places where marijuana has yet to be legalized medically or recreationally.

While there are a multitude of reasons medical marijuana users prefer to cannavape, these are a few of the major explanations. While more research needs to be conducted regarding it being safer and more effective, it is a method that is growing in popularity.

New uses for the compounds in Marijuana (tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinoids (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN)) are steadily being revealed thanks to the legalization of medicinal and/or recreational use in many states paving the way for research and development. Medical Marijuana has also made its way into the cosmetics and skincare industry by way of topical treatments.

Exploring Topical Medical Marijuana

Medical reasons for using topical treatments also translate into cosmetic uses given that these ailments can affect our appearance. Cannabis oil works by reacting with our endocannabinoid system.

What Can Topical Medical Marijuana Be Used For?

Eczema

Sufferers of Eczema can tell you how difficult it is to treat safely and effectively. The medications that work carry a risk of serious side effects including allergic reaction, and even permanent skin discoloration. Topicals are a safe alternative due to the anti-inflammatory properties in CBD and CBN.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a condition where skin accumulates in thick patches, called plaques. The medications for this ailment can have severe side effects, including liver damage. None of which are associated with cannabis of any type. The compounds in the medicine work with the immune system to lower inflammation.

Acne

Acne, particularly cystic acne, benefits from topical cannabis. Apply to the affected area at night before bed, this aids in the reduction of scarring as well. The compound can also sooth the pain.

Anti-Aging

When blended with coconut oil it has been shown to increase elasticity in aging skin. The oils also lead to a reduction of wrinkles and even age spots with continued use over time.

Severely Dry Skin

An almost magical potion when used with other oils, particularly coconut, cannabis oil relieves very dry and cracking skin. The healing and anti-inflammatory properties of the cannabis oil as well as the moisturizing benefits of coconut oil team up to make a powerfully healing moisturizer.

Varicose Veins

Ivein in Utah states that varicose veins affect up to 60% of the American population. Varicose vein gels made with hemp oil target the blood vessels to promote healthy function and strength along with healing and regeneration. This can be a great option for those who are unable to seek treatment in their area.

Marijuana is a surprising plant with its spectrum of benefits. The topical cannabis industry is a fairly new field with a promising future. With these discoveries, we are exposed to a whole new world of possibilities.